North and South Dakota

gergstuff · 06-01-2006, 03:05 PM

Hi again,

I was wondering if anyone has any suggested spots for cheap or free camping along Route 2 in North Dakota and anywhere along the I-90 corridor in South Dakota.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Gergstuff

Condoluminum · 06-01-2006, 04:15 PM

Having done the cross-North Dakota trip in 2004, there are lots of long stretches with nothing, especially in central and western portion... Really!! No cell phone coverage on interstate, no towns, no nothing... (North Dakotans seem content with this situation..) We had breakdown in Jamestown, and spent day waiting for THE Chevy/GM dealer to replace an alternator. Nearest alternate dealer shop several hundred miles away..

I'd check their policy for maximum stay in rest areas, or few rest stops.. The state might also have website with info on state or county parks off freeway that must be reasonably priced..

pmclemore · 06-04-2006, 01:09 PM

I'll be heading that way in July - how about diesel? Did you notice if there were stations along the way? I can make about 300 miles between fills.

Thanks - Pat.

Condoluminum · 06-05-2006, 12:20 PM

Fuel is available, including diesel, as it is used in agriculture, which seems to be the leading industry... There are a number of stops at exits from Interstate where Fuel Station and MiniMart seem to be the only structure around, but irrigation equipment and livestock indicate that ranching is taking plae as well, and homes are out of sight of highway... We plan to stop for fuel about every 200 miles when traveling, and never were uncomfortable on or near interstates in north or south dakota on several trips.

John McG

elh3946 · 06-05-2006, 04:57 PM

I highly recommend Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds. He lists lots of free or inexpensive places along US-2 in North Dakota. Many towns have a city park where you can park overnight, some even have electricity available.

Linda

Ruebel · 06-05-2006, 10:43 PM

Diesel is available at most Cenex stations www.cenex.com . You can check for locations and what fuel is available on their web site. On US 2 there are stations at Grand Forks, Lakota, Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot and Williston.

The North Dakota tourism web page list campgrounds throughout the state. http://www.ndtourism.com/accommodations/ I would call the location to verify the exact location and type of hookups.

NDLR
Bismarck ND

pmclemore · 06-06-2006, 11:14 AM

Thanks, guys - I plan to keep a good log and will report for the benefit of future travellers.

Pat

Bradjun1 · 08-07-2006, 10:27 PM

Fuel is plentyful anywhere in ND. Many of the small towns have city campgrounds with city parks that are reasonable.

68 Overlander · 08-07-2006, 10:35 PM

Free/cheap fuel or free/cheap campsites? I got lost. For camping sites, those books mentioned are priceless.

16595 · 03-05-2007, 08:23 PM

Along Hiway 2, there is a cheap campground in the town of Stanley. It is across from the courthouse on the north end of town, Just north of the tracks. I think a couple days are free and then they charge.

While there go to the drug store for ice cream. I don't remember the name of it, but they have a one-of-a-kind shake maker. It's worth the stop for anyone who is interested in commercial history.

A nice city pool too.

Dwight

16595 · 03-05-2007, 10:02 PM

Check out this website for free campgrounds. The drug store in Stanley has a "Whirl-a-whip" machine.

Dwight

**john hd** · 03-06-2007, 05:00 AM

if you like to boondock there are 3 nice spots in and around the spearfish canyon. hanna, rod and gun and roughlock falls.

stop in at the ranger station in spearfish for a map. it is right behind the wal mart at exit 10.

ten bucks a night with no amenities except for a pit toilet. nice and quiet.

if you need hook ups the city campground is right on spearfish creek next to the fish hatchery, cannot recall the price.

john

rickandsandi · 03-06-2007, 05:51 AM

WOW! People who have actually gone to North Dakota? Its funny, when you look at our decal map on the door of the Safari every state in the mid USA is filled in BUT North Dakota. Had a great trip in and through South Dakota but never made it north. Found plenty of towns with great camping parks for free, but also some very inexpensive $10 a night spots with full hook-ups.

16595 · 03-09-2007, 09:31 PM

I see I forgot to insert the link, so here it is:

Free Campgrounds for RVs

Yes, people visit North Dakota. Some of us even grew up there. Nice open spaces and great people. It's those "open spaces" that some people can't stand.

Dwight